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Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Bronze Usubata with Turtles for Ikebana

About the Item

Beautiful two-piece Japanese bronze usubata, a vessel for ikebana flower arranging, with intricate wave form base, Meiji period, late 19th century, Japan. The usubata vessel has four charming turtles and sets on a separately cast base designed as crashing waves. The power of the waves is captured by the numerous exuberant sprays, all rendered masterfully in bronze. The wave-form base with areas of greenish verdigris and minor encrustation around vessel holder ring. The vessel has a warm, chocolate brown patina showing texture from use and handling. The bottom of the vessel has chop/signature. Condition: Fair: Stem of vessel does not rest perfectly within base. Wear consistent with age and use. Losses to the tips of some of the wave sprays. The wave stand has with some areas of verdigris and encrustation. Please see photos for details. The usubata is an essential part of ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging. More than just a vessel for holding flowers, the usubata forms the foundation of the arrangement, setting the tone of the arrangement, and conveying meaning to the viewer.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 7 in (17.78 cm)Width: 8 in (20.32 cm)Depth: 7.5 in (19.05 cm)
  • Style:
    Meiji (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Bronze,Forged
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    circa 1890
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. Minor structural damages. Stem of vessel does not rest perfectly within base. Wear consistent with age and use. Losses to the tips of some of the wave sprays. The wave stand has with some areas of verdigris and encrustation. Please see photos for details.
  • Seller Location:
    Soquel, CA
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: D73721stDibs: LU1215226570522
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